Thursday, November 27, 2008

On December 4th, Jeremy Fish's new art show "Ghosts of the Barbary Coast" will open in San Francisco at Gallery 50/24SF. The artwork depicts the post-goldrush slum that was S.F.'s Barbary Coast, and the violence, gangs, and prostitution that overran much of what is now Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach.

Aesop Rock created a new song called "Tomorrow Morning" to accompany Jeremy's show. The song will play in the gallery throughout the night. "Tomorrow Morning" was written and produced by Aesop Rock, contains additional chorus vocals by El-P, and scratches by Dj Big Wiz.

A limited edition double-sided Jeremy Fish print will be available for sale to show-goers. This special item contains Jeremy Fish images printed on both sides of a small wooden plank. Attached to the print will be a miniature wood grain USB hard drive containing the new Aesop Rock song, an instrumental version, lyrics and a digital show catalog. Only 100 of these will be made, and are being sold for $15.

Monday, November 24, 2008

It's finally here. The highly anticipated 808s & Heartbreak from KanYe West officially drops today. Yeezy takes a more "pop" approach this time around eschewing raps for auto-tuned melodies. I wasn't 100% sold on the new style at first but it's definitely growing on me. I'm anxious to hear the record in it's entirety.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Straight outta Harvard University, this is Chester French with their breakout single "She Loves Everybody". The duo recently inked a deal with Pharrell's Star Trak label so expect to hear a lot from them in the coming year.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

It's been a big year for the state of Michigan in terms of indie hip-hop. Black Milk, eLZhi, Invincible, and Guilty Simpson each delivered solid albums in 2008. Our latest NoDoz'r, 14KT, keeps the streak alive with his debut instrumental release entitled The Golden Hour.

14KT has been holding it down for a minute on the MI hip-hop scene as 1/7 of the Athletic Mic League (AML) and 1/4 of The Lab Techs production team. He's worked with just about every hip-hop notable outta Detroit and with his latest release is striking out on his own to showcase his soulful, Dilla-esque productions. Check for him after the jump.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Also out this week is Slow Burning Lights from SF based production duo Blue Sky Black Death. The album is a vocal collaboration with songstress Yes Alexander whose whispery tones gel nicely with BSBD's trademark dramatic hip-hop backdrops.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Today marks the release of the debut solo jawn from 88-Keys entitled The Death of Adam. A concept album, the record tells the story of Adam, who dies over his love/hate relationship with the opposite sex. Featuring guest shots from KanYe West, Phonte of Little Brother, KiD CuDi, and more. Check it.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Also out this week is the debut from Dilla's younger brother Illa J entitled Yancey Boys. The album is produced entirely by the late J Dilla using unreleased beats from 95'-98'. Little brother's rhyming/singing might not be up to snuff with big brother's production, but when the beats are this good who am I to complain?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Nine years removed from his debut solo album Amplified, Q-Tip FINALLY delivers The Renaissance this week. And from the sound of things, it was well worth the wait. Produced by The Abstract himself (save for one Dilla joint), the entire album has that vintage ATCQ vibe we all know and love. Don't sleep on this one.